Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater Mussels of the New York Metropolitan Region and New Jersey

A Guide to their Identification, Biology and Conservation

The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC) has developed this web handbook as a "short-course" to the freshwater mussels occurring within 75 miles of New York City and throughout New Jersey. It is designed for naturalists, biologists, and resource managers working to conserve local freshwater ecosystems. The handbook includes a section on mussel morphology, a photo illustrated guide to 17 species, a key, habitat guide, glossary, bibliography of print and web resources, and essays on freshwater mussel taxonomy, biology, ecology, threats, conservation, and study methods, including a guide to local regulations. Information on this site is based on current knowledge, and is provided in the hope of encouraging and enabling further work on our local fauna.

Acknowledgments

The handbook is a collaborative project, with contributions from various organizations
and individuals. It is based on a workshop hosted at AMNH by the Metropolitan
Biodiversity Program and taught by Jay Cordeiro from NatureServe, and David
Strayer of the Institute for Ecosystem Studies, and is published by the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History.

By: Elizabeth A. Johnson — This engaging illustrated guide gives an introduction to the local invertebrates one can see in various habitats of New York City and offers suggestions for where and when to search for them, along with information on how best to protect them.